Chatham UniversityDiversity Summary

Written by Elizabeth Dorssom

Elizabeth Dorssom

Hometown

Redondo Beach, CA

Major

Women's Studies

Grad Year

2012

View all previous student authors

Though Chatham University is small, the campus offers a wealth of diversity. Ethnic backgrounds are fairly homogeneous at Chatham, but Caucasian, African American, and Asian populations are well represented, and ethnic diversity rarely raises issues among students. Chatham's campus is also home to students from approximately 25 countries who bring a variety of cultures to the University environment. Religious backgrounds are similarly divided between predominantly Christian, Jewish, and Muslim groups. Students are extremely tolerant of different religions and religious garments on campus. There are no worship services, even though there is a chapel on campus. The chapel is used for student performances and opening and closing convocations. In December, there is a candlelight service that features religious readings from various religious traditions.

One hundred percent of students said the Chatham environment is either very or mostly tolerant, which becomes especially apparent when it comes to Chatham's bisexual and lesbian populations, which make up a significant portion of the student body. Students also say there is a decent variety of students from various economic backgrounds, especially given the cost of tuition.